University of Sydney

This course examines key philosophical and methodological approaches in the field of Art History. The development of professional skill sets will be a key focus. As such, the course serves as an essential introduction to Art History for those considering a career in the arts, education, or the museum and design sectors.

This course is for absolute beginners or for students who have no substantial prior knowledge of Spanish. It focuses on the basic vocabulary and grammar necessary to introduce and talk about yourself and other people, and communicate successfully in simple everyday situations, both by speaking and in writing. It also introduces elements of the history, society and culture of the Spanish-speaking countries.

This course examines how to make the world more sustainable by building skills in critical thinking, enhancing self-care (building personal resilience, coping skills and a sense of community) and appreciating diversity and empowerment. It covers how to embrace a range of perspectives and approaches to sustainability topics, including holistic Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives that connect Caring for Country and collective human wellbeing. It also looks at the importance of a trans-disciplinary understanding in tackling barriers to change (for example, how to navigate the technological transition to a more sustainable future while also considering the social, economic and policy implications). Finally, it explores the potential of transformation. 

This course introduces students to the foundational role land plays in urban development in Australia, including studying land management and city development over time. It examines the evolution of the built environment professions in Australia in relation to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal land knowledge, law, and practice. 

This course examines how literary and visual works from different periods from across the world engage with Empire, slavery, and their legacies. The course introduces students to the complexities of race, class, gender, and their representations in a variety of expressive forms.

This course examines gender in the global context. It focuses on gender relations as a subject of economic thought and analysis and explores the ways in which contemporary gendered patterns of employment, production, distribution and exchange have been shaped historically and institutionally.

This course examines the central role and distinctive value of ethnographic fieldwork in the practice of anthropology and generation of new knowledge, as well as how socio-economic, cultural, historical and political contexts shape the practice of ethnographic fieldwork in different settings. It covers the role and contribution anthropologists make to public, private and non-governmental sectors. 

This course examines Australia's deadliest animals, providing an appreciation of these animals and the skills to investigate organisms perceived as risks to humans. By investigating snakes, spiders, crocodiles, sharks, octopuses, jellyfish, insects, and ticks, students will assess and evaluate the evidence addressing key questions: Just how dangerous are Australian animals? How much of their deadly reputation is myth? Why, and how, do people get killed by these extraordinary animals? How well do we estimate the risks they pose? How does understanding of the science of how these animals operate help us manage the dangers they pose? 

This course is an introduction to critical thinking and the analysis of argument. It examines arguments drawn from diverse sources including journalism, advertising, science, medicine, history, economics, and politics. It also will grapple with scepticism, conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and fallacies.

This course examines the ethical, environmental and social problems associated with consumerism, and examines in detail some of the creative, ingenious and determined responses to these problems.